Creating opportunities to support oncology nursing practice: surviving and thriving

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Oncology Nursing
• Professional Development

Background:

• Nursing specialization is linked to enhanced patient outcomes, including quality of life and symptom management.
• Oncology nurses encounter barriers to specialization, such as time and resource constraints.
• The de Souza Institute initiated a program to support nurses pursuing oncology certification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a province-wide telemedicine study group for nurses preparing for the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Oncology Certification Exam.
• To assess the impact of innovative learning strategies on oncology nurse professional development and exam success.

Main Methods:

• A province-wide study group was established, utilizing telemedicine and web-based technology for flexible learning.
• The curriculum was guided by Adult Learning Theories, Cooperative Learning, Generational Learning Styles, and professional standards.
• 107 oncology nurses from 17 sites participated, with detailed evaluations of knowledge, learning needs, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Ninety-four percent of participants successfully passed the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Oncology Exam.
• The study demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of a technology-enabled, collaborative learning model.
• The program facilitated interactive learning and engagement among nurses across diverse locations.

Conclusions:

• The telemedicine study group model is a successful strategy for supporting oncology nurses in achieving certification.
• This approach addresses challenges in professional development by offering flexibility and expert-led guidance.
• The initiative fosters communities of practice and contributes to excellence in oncology nursing.